Department of Agriculture starts P11-billion water project in Leyte town

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), has started the P11-billion Jalaur River multi-purpose project in Cahag, Leyte.

The project seeks to supply electricity to some 33,000 households and generate more water to irrigate an additional 9,000 hectares of rice fields in the area.

The project, which consists of a mini hydroelectric power plant and an irrigation system, is expected to be completed by 2015.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Jalaur River currently irrigates at least 22,000 hectares of rice fields.

NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel, for his part, said the government would save a lot of funds because the project will not only serve farmers but also the local folk.